2007 ATP Discussion Thread

Well, make it eleven straight wins for Federer against Hewitt. There was a point where I actually think Federer was either bored, did not care, or was just tired of playing. The amount of unforced errors was incredibly high.

Hewitt should have taken his chances, this was his best opportunity to beat a tired and sometimes disinterested Federer. Roger was experimenting a lot in that match, going for winners or acute angles from impossible positions on the court.

His movement was excellent as always, but his execution was lacking. I think he has one eye on NY, and the other eye shifting that way.

This loss will hurt Hewitt more than the one in Montreal, where Federer was fresh and focused.

Federer did stick on the unique style he uses only against Hewitt. No pace. Back in 2002, 2003 Roger was getting burned by using aggressive pace against Lleyton. Hewitt is the ultimate counter puncher, he uses his opponent's pace against them, because he cannot generate any of his own.

Federer had to change that solely for the Australian, by giving him no pace, and opening up the court with acute angles on the mid court ball. He did do well with the under spin backhand slice down the middle, as always, but did not finish points off like he should have.

Somehow, with a lackluster performance this week, he is still in the final. Should be inteserting to see who he plays, as neither Blake or Davydenko have beaten him.

Blake leads the series against Davydenko 5-0.


Mirka cam. LOL!!! Yes, I agree.

 

Federer v Blake - The final of the Cincy Masters.

Should be a match filled with shotmaking.

 

So what does everyone reckon Federer does with all his trophy's. He'd have enough to fill a warehouse by now

 

Probably buy half of Basel to keep his trophies close to home. He probably has so many trophies, and awards and other special honors, that if you place them side by side, they would probably cross two time lines.

ATP title 50 for Federer!!!!!!!

He is the fifth youngest player in history to reach that mark. After Borg, Connors, McEnroe and Lendl, in that order. Borg won 50 titles at the age of 23!!!!! Sampras is the sixth youngest.

Federer played his usual game against Blake, he refused to move back from the baseline, which is what James forces his opponents to do. He also attacked the backhand wing heavily during the big points, forcing it to breakdown or give a week reply.

Blake played well all week, but once again fell short against Roger, who leads the series 7-0.

Now, its onto the US OPEN!!!!!

Federer has won the US Open series for the first time in his career because of the back to back finals at the Masters Series. And his serve looks deadlier with each passing day. Second serve ace to win the title!

 

To expand the Federer 50 titles, and where he stands in terms of what he achieved and how fast, here are some more stats.

Age at 50th Title - Roger is the fifth fastest to reach this mark in the Open Era.
1) Bjorn Borg 23 years, 7 months
2) Jimmy Connors 23 years, 11 months
3) John McEnroe 25 years, 2 months
4) Ivan Lendl 25 years, 7 months
5) Roger Federer 26 years, 11 days

FEDERER MILESTONE TITLES ? Here is a look at Federer?s milestone titles in his career:
No. 1 2001 Milan d. Julien Boutter
No. 10 2003 Vienna d. Jiri Novak
No. 20 2004 US Open d. Lleyton Hewitt
No. 30 2005 Wimbledon d. Andy Roddick
No. 40 2006 Toronto d. Richard Gasquet
No. 50 2007 Cincinnati d. James Blake

Exactly HALF of Federer's titles have been either Masters Series or Grand Slams. Here is breakdown of what Federer has done at the top for his first fifty titles.

Grand Slams- Wimbledon 03,04,05,06,07 - US Open 04,05,06 - Australian Open 04,06,07 - Total 11 Grand Slams
Masters Series - Indian Wells 04,05,06 - Miami 05,06 - Hamburg 02,04,05,07 - Canada 04,06 - Cincinnati 05,07 -Madrid 06 - Total 14 Masters Series

He also has three Masters Cup Titles, considered by many as the unofficial fifth Slam - 03,04,06

 

The biggest news of the day, and a bit sad for me, as he was one of my favorite players. Tim Henman will be retiring after the US Open.

I have enjoyed watching him play through the years, and will miss him. But with all the injuries, especially the back problem is all too much at this stage in his life.

I wish him all the best for the future! Thank you Tim for the fond memories.

 

I thought while we're waiting for the draw to come out for the US Open, I can talk about Rafa's quest to end the year as number one. I still can't believe the draw will be out this Friday!!!!

I think I'll probably spend a good hour just analyzing the potential matches, and potential upsets that could plague the Open. But, in the meantime, its time to talk about Nadal.

For those that saw him in Cincinnati will have noticed that he was forced to retire, with not only a wrist problem, but with a muscular problem on his right arm. It is common knowledge to all who follow the game that Rafael has the most physically intense game. I read an article once where it was said that Nadal makes tennis look like a full contact sport. Where at the start of the year, he saw the benefits, he is now paying for it.

He demands a lot of his body everytime, and with his heart and mind can dominate players on the clay. But on Hardcourts, his game takes a toll on his conditioning. The excessive overplay winning Indian Wells, Quarters in Miami, winning Monte Carlo, winning Barcelona, winning Rome, Finals of Hamburg, Quarters of Queens, Finals of Wimbledon, winning Stuttgart are starting to take something out of him. He is physically exhausted, and we still have several months to go.

The problem for him is that Federer dominates this time of the year, and has already had the best results leading into the US Open than he has ever had. The gap between them is now only 11 points, before Montreal, Nadal lead by 186.

Its getting tougher for Nadal, as Federer carefully plans his year, knowing that he can get consistent results on any surface. Rafael can't say that. On Hardcourts, he is mortal. Where does this leave him? Probably still in second place by the end of the year. It must be taking a lot out of him, knowing he is the greatest player never to have reached number one. Time will tell if next year he can make it, or if a certain Novak takes his place.

 

Actually, he hasn't specifically said he'll retire. Yet. He's holding a press conference tomorrow about his future. But, all the signs point to the end of the serve-volleyers. What a sad time for the sport. Tim was a really gutsy and classic performer.

 

THE US OPEN DRAW IS OUT!!!!!!!

I will give an indepth analysis and some predicitions just to make it fun! Its going to be a fun two weeks.

Things that have caught my eye straight away.

Federer and Roddick are in same quarter.

Djokovic and Nadal in the same half.

I will break it down and go over some potential match ups very soon.

 

Yes, Tim was classic performancer in the purist sense. And on his day could be anyone in the world. I am glad that he actually won a Masters Series event. Paris indoors in 2003. I remember watching that event, and was blown away by the players that he beat to win that title, which became the last title he won. Grosjean, Davydenko, Federer, Roddick, Kuerten and Paval all fell to him that week.

Thanks again Tim!!!

 

You do feel sorry for Henman - he had all that pressure at Wimbledon for so many years that it's probably worn him down. I suspect if he'd been from any other country than Britain that he would have won at least one Wimbledon title.

He was always good to watch.

 

Im looking forward to seeing how the new yound american wild cards fare in the open. Like Donald Yound and David Isner. I find that to be more entertaining than Nadal/Federer

 

Do you really? It makes me sad watching them fall so easily to the 15 seed or whatever. I doubt they'll do well, though I hope for the best.

 

Yeah, I almost always pull for upsets. Especially against nadal

 

The US Open

This year?s US Open has a special buzz around it. If Federer can win the title, he will be the first man in the Open Era, and the first man since Bill Tilden who won six straight from 1920 to 1925, to win four in a row. He is tied with McEnroe and Lendl for a record three straight during the Open Era. Going into the tournament, he is the heavy favorite to walk out with a fourth consecutive crown. The last three players Federer beat for the title have all triumphed at the US Open in the past. Hewitt in 2004, Agassi in 2005 and Roddick in 2006.

Federer?s quarter is filled with major names, who are capable of pulling of upsets, and go deep into the second week. These include Ferrero, Gasquet, Berdych and Roddick. The most likely quarter final showdown appears to be between Federer and Roddick. Federer has a 13-1 record against the former US Open champion, and has never lost a five set match to him. Gasquet has struggled to show the form that took him to the semis at Wimbeldon, and Berdych has been lacking confidence on the hardcourts this year. But if Berdych can get his game together, he is very lethal on his surface, and can hurt anyone, including Federer.

Second quarter includes amongst others, Davydenko and Blake. I think this is the best opportunity for Blake to make the semis. His game is suited to the decoturf surface in NY, and has a 7-0 head to head against Davydenko. Others include Murray, who is still recovering from a wrist injury, and Baghdatis, who has been showing some form coming in. Blake should be looking to get the semis, especially after winning the title in New Haven.

Possible semi final match up Federer V Blake.

The third quarter is headed by Montreal and Miami champion, Djokovic, who is predicted by many to come through to the final. But, he is likely have the toughest draw, IF the seeds and top players don?t go out. His first round is against Ancic, possible showdown with Hewitt awaits, who he beat in a thriller at Wimbledon. Hewitt looks sharp, having pushed Federer all the way in Cincinnati last week.

The final quarter has Nadal, who has a great chance to go deep at the toughest event for him. A potential quarter final match against Gonzalez awaits, a rematch of the Australian Open. If Gonzo is hot, he can hurt and even knock Nadal out of the tournament. But lately, he has been suffering to find his form. Nadal?s body though is starting to show signs of wear and tear, he has a wrist and leg injury, so it will be interesting to see if he can hold up.

Difficult one to call, but on form Djokovic should come through.

My prediction is the obvious one. Federer wins his fourth straight title at the US Open.

 

Im glad, Dancevic qualified. he has been playing very very well on the summer hard courts and can make a good run

 

Donald Yound gets a nice 4 set win. he will face Gasquet in the next round

 

We're having a sweep on the US Open for colours here. Sign up quickly!

 

Day One Report

The biggest shock on the men's side was Marcos Baghadtis losing to Max Miryni at the first hurdle. Max is one of the last true serve and volley players left on the tour, and it was obvious that his unqiue style was causing the Cypriot problems. He did bluff most of the time, and forced Marcos to attempt passing shots on every second shot, if he did not get a first serve in. Marcos got into a comfort zone with a double back hand down the line, but eventually Max started forcing him cross court, causing the errors.

Federer looked ready to defend his title. I saw a big difference in the way he approached the match with Jenkins, than when he played in Cincinnati a few days back. He did not go for too much, but used the pace to create a good rythmn for himself. His serve looks potent, and thye the decoturf is giving him the pace he likes.

Gasquet had a slow start, but then showed his class after the first set. He is looking good, and a matchup with Young, the Junior Wimbledon Champion is next. Young played well, and as Gasquet said, reminded me of Rios with his style of play. It should be a good match, but at this point Gasquet has too much game, and if he plays his best should win.

The other upset was 2003 runner up Ferrero losing to Lopez.

 

Djokovic dominated in his first match. Great stuff going on so far at the open

 

US Open Day Two

A bit late with my update, but I?m going to try to cover the tournament every day to give a review, despite the fact that day three is already underway and Safin has defeated Dancevic in three thrilling, momentum swinging sets.

The potential blockbuster Djokovic and Hewitt look like it will happen. Both were hugely dominate with their first round wins. Hewitt really wasted no time, he was able to use his opponent?s pace and dictate with the double handed backhand. His ability to take the ball before the apex is critical for him to seize the initiative, as he lacks the power. Hewitt is happy that his moving under the radar, with all the attention on the big three.

I was pleasantly surprised with the ease that Novak disposed of Haase. Haase ranked 90 in the world is a sensational shot maker, he was stunning against Berdych in the first round at Montreal, but you could see that the belief was not there at the start. Djokovic intimidated him with his impeccable balance, he was all over the court and hitting the ball cleanly. He looks good to go deep. I thought Ancic might have played, but the shoulder injury was playing up to much, and it is of more significance when you serve and volley, purely because of the forward motion. This is what plagued Pat Rafter, the US Open champion of 1997 and 1998, causing him to retire early.

Roddick with a great start to the tournament, but the fact he is in a Federer zone, I can?t see him doing much at this event. Gimelstob playing in his last US Open attacked Roddick with his chip and charge game, forcing Andy to come up with massive passing shots.

Murray looks great, he is still lacking the firepower that took him to the semis in Indian Wells and Miami, but that will come with further matches. He has a chance to do well here.

Blake?s match was exhilarating to say the least. When he is on form, he can beat anyone on a hard court, expect for one man, Federer. He was taking the ball early, and standing inside the baseline. The only thing that was affecting him, was the wide ball deep into his backhand, he has a tendency to take the ball late on that side, and as a result miss hits quite a bit.

 

Henman on the verge!

EDIT: Huzzah!

 

US Open Day Three

And Federer is back to his dangerous best! His game was exhilarating, his balance was impeccable and his shot making was incredible. It reminded me of how he crushed everyone at the Australian Open earlier this year. If this kind of form remains, he will be difficult to topple. Next up is the giant Isner, who serves out of a tree. Isner should have an interesting match, but Federer really has no problems with big servers. Will be fun to watch.

The match that really made me smile Henman?s four set thrilling win over Tursonov. I was biting my nails for Tim, I really don?t want to see him go just yet. And the powerful Russian had had Henman?s number in all the other three Slams, and looked ominous at the start of their encounter. Tim?s serve really came to his aid, and his movement around the net forced the errors. As some specialists and purists of the game have said, Henman is the last of Grass Court Era poets. I agree.

What made me think the most was the performance by Rafael Nadal, who could have easily lost in straight sets, having gone down breaks of serve all sets except the last. He seemed flat and out of energy, his body looks like it is suffering from the gruelling demands he placed on it throughout the year.

Sad to see Gonzalez bow out.

 

Blake wins his first 5-setter. Kudos to him, but it was sad to see Santoro go. Definitely my favorite player on the tour, Santoro has put up immense fights against top-tier players two years in a row here, first against Federer and now against James. I really rooted for Fabrice to win, but his injury and age (34, which makes me admire him even more) slowed him in the end. He said post-match that next year will probably be his last US Open, which would be a shame.

 

Yes, Day Four was all about Blake winning his first ever 5 set match, after previosuly having a record of 0-9. And it was about the magican Santoro. I've always enjoyed watching him played, his unique double handed slice on wings in something special. Some of the shots had such slice and pin point accuracy, it frustrated James. The best match by far in the tournament.

Roddick, Murray, and Davydenko making further strides into the draw. I was a bit upset that Gasquet had to withdraw because of a sore throat.